rocco_7155 wrote:
Well one of 'em bit my um, er....thigh....how close is that? :roll:
The rules are that you cant touch or feed them. Unfortunately, the "touristas" roll down windows and feed them Cheetos and stuff, so they are fearless. I was walking briskly to my truck and he just kept coming and nipped my backside and when I closed the truck door he tugged at the side mirror.
Most of the day I was within a half dozen steps or so. When they munch the grass, you can feel the vibration in the ground. The big roundup with real cowboys takes place every year on the Virginia side of the island (Chincoteague) and the proceeds benefit the local fire department. It is sanctioned by the government and has been going on since the 40s. That herd is bigger and they "drive" them through the surf to the pens. The herd at Assateague is about 60 horses and are never captured, penned (unless they are determined to need vet care) or sold.
Its worth the trip, the photo ops are close and candid.
Camping, canoeing, beaches are available in the park. An RV park is about 3 miles away on the same road and there are many hotels within 7-8 miles. Ocean City (8 miles away)has a great boardwalk , beaches and attractions too.
I'd recommend you go a bit "offseason" to have time and less intrusion into your shots. These were taken in March, April, and May.
Well one of 'em bit my um, er....thigh....how clos... (
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Ha! You're not the only one to be bitten by a Chincoteage!! A friend years ago had two of these ponies as they are popular on the barrel racing circuit. Her first one "Geronimo" gave me a nip on my tuckus as I was walking out of the corral, and the second she actually trucked up from the swim was a runt and he was a nasty little thing! He was the last pony at auction and her husband "dared" her to bet. Well, she won the pony and a whole lot of headaches to go with it!
That's why I was wondering how close you can get, but I'm not looking to be nipped again. Been there...done that with a somewhat domesticated Chincoteage!